Vinny Peculiar/Miles Hunt

On a damp Sunday night in October, not many people had bothered to come and watch former Wonderstuffers Miles Hunt and Erica Nockalls. In fact, you could literally count the people in attendance. Those who stayed away missed a treat. Those few who went got a very intimate gig indeed.

Date: October 14, 2007

Venue: Rescue Rooms

I’m sorry Vinny Peculiar, but even though you’re a delectably confused hybrid of Jarvis Cocker and Mark E. Smith, your pop-noir is refreshingly abstract, and even though your band features both Bonehead (ex-Oasis) and Mike Joyce (ex-The Smiths) and you’re officially billed as tonight’s main attraction, it’s your support act which we’re really here for.

Still fronting The Wonder Stuff after more than 20 years, but tonight showcasing his solo talents, it’s Miles Hunt we’re truly excited about.

Stripped back to an acoustic guitar and a lone violin – expertly executed by beautiful, dollish Stuffies fiddler Erica Nockalls – the sparse crowd are treated to ceilidh-like songs from Miles’ recent album, No Exit Here, as well as Stuffies classics like Circlesquare and Here Comes Everyone. We even get his Underground Ernie-penned tune upon request.

Short on time but large on anecdotal conversation, Miles connects brilliantly with his allegiant fans – his wonderful stuff worthy of top billing.